THE Relationship between

Lower Back Pain & Pelvic Pain

Most of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. We might get a little too enthusiastic when moving furniture or develop muscular imbalances due to a sedentary job. But sometimes, back pain isn’t really back pain – rather, it’s rooted in dysfunction in your pelvic area.

Unfortunately, pelvic pain is often harder to discuss than back pain. It often stems from dysfunction with your pelvic floor, the band of muscles that support your bladder, bowels, and genitals. It can also indicate an issue with your sacroiliac joints.

Both back and pelvic pain can strike men and women — but women do tend to have more issues with pelvic pain, including pelvic-related back pain. Bodily changes during pregnancy are an especially common culprit.

If you’re dealing with pain in your lower back or pelvic area – or both – call Preferred Physical Therapy to schedule an appointment. We’ll help determine the actual source of your pain so you can find lasting relief.

Understanding the Causes of Lower Back and Pelvic Pain 

Lower back pain is widespread and has several potential causes, including herniated discs, sprains and strains, poor posture, and spinal arthritis – not to mention various contributing factors like poor posture or muscular weakness.

But if that pain spreads into your pelvic area, there may be something else going on. In fact, lower back pain without a clear underlying cause often stems from dysfunction in the pelvic area, such as the following:

Impaired pelvic floor: Did you know that your pelvic floor muscles make up part of your core, which supports and stabilizes your spine? If your pelvic floor muscles are weakened or impaired, your back muscles have to do more work to compensate — setting you up for muscle strains or other injuries.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: The sacroiliac joint is the joint that links the spine to the pelvis, so it should be surprising that if something’s wrong there, you may feel pain in both your lower back and your pelvic area. Arthritis, injury, and pregnancy can all cause issues in the sacroiliac joint.

Pregnancy: Pregnancy itself is a common cause of pain throughout the lower back and pelvic area. There are two main reasons for this:

  • Hormonal changes cause your ligaments to become looser in preparation for childbirth, which puts strain on your lower back and pelvis.
  • Your center of gravity changes, and your growing baby can force your hips back at an awkward angle, leading to pain.

Helping You Find Relief, No Matter the Source  

When it comes to pain in your lower back and pelvis, the first step our therapists take is to identify the source of your pain. That way, we can provide the customized treatment you need to resolve the pain at its root rather than merely treating symptoms.

We’ll begin with a comprehensive evaluation. Our therapists provide a welcoming, discreet space where you can freely share your symptoms–including pelvic-related symptoms that might feel embarrassing. Make sure you share…

• The exact location of your pain

• The pain’s sensations–is it burning? Dull? Aching?

• When do you feel pain? Is it persistent? Do you mostly notice it when you wake up?

• Any restrictions in range of motion you might be experiencing

• Any pelvic-related symptoms you might be experiencing, such as incontinence or sexual dysfunction

Once we’ve reviewed your symptoms and taken a full health history, we’ll conduct an in-depth physical evaluation, including running several movement screens. All this information helps us determine whether or not your pain is rooted in your lower back, pelvic area, or somewhere else — and that helps us develop your personalized treatment plan.

What To Expect At Your First Appointment

Our treatment plans will vary based on your exact needs. In general, though, we aim to help you with the following:

  • Find immediate pain relief through manual therapy techniques or gentle stretches
  • Improve mobility through targeted range of motion exercises
  • Strengthen any weakened or impaired muscles, whether in your back or pelvic floor
  • Provide you with the tools you need to avoid future bouts of pain

Contact Preferred Physical Therapy today To get started 

If you’re struggling with back or pelvic pain, the Preferred Physical Therapy therapists will help you get to the bottom of things. Call to make your appointment today!

Request Appointment

another 5 star review

“I was dizzy for over 4 months, went to ENT who ran many tests, performed 5-6 Epley Maneuvers which made me sicker every time. They said it would eventually get better. I then put my foot down and demanded more tests. Luckily, the ENT referred me to Preferred PT. They spent a whole hour asking questions and explaining every little detail about the ear/eyes/brain connection, using models and apps. Once they were certain they knew the problem, they performed the Epley Maneuver, however, in a different way. That was it! It’s been over a month now and I feel great! I want to spread the word so that people know where to go first if they have vertigo. Thank you Preferred PT!!” 

–Fernanda M. — Actual 5 Star Google Review  

Upcoming

MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

Due to the ever-changing world of healthcare, and the field of physical therapy, Preferred Physical Therapy Associates has decided to establish a Membership Program, to maintain the high quality of care we have provided for 18 years. We believe this program will help us establish and maintain our relationships with our patients, build trust with our patients, and allow us to offer enhanced services to the Members. We believe this program will serve the best interests of both the practice and our Member patients. All patients of Preferred Physical Therapy Associates are eligible to become Members of the PT Program. In fact, we hope that all our patients become Members, although we do offer the option of opting out of Membership.

Membership Program

Click to find out more about the benefits of the Membership Program at Preferred Physical Therapy!

Feel Better by Eating Better!

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower 

Easy and healthy Baked Sweet & Sour Cauliflower is a delicious twist on classic sweet & sour chicken or pork and it’s baked instead of fried. You won’t miss meat in this lightened up classic!


Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss cauliflower and oil in a ziplock bag. Add corn starch and toss to coat again. Transfer cauliflower to a greased baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 min until cauliflower starts to brown on the bottom. Switch oven to broil and cook on high for 3-4 minutes just until tops start to brown. Combine sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion salt, and ketchup in a medium sauce pan. Stir and bring to a boil. Whisk together corn starch and cold water in a small bowl until dissolved. Add to pan and stir until thickened, then reduce to low heat. Combine roasted cauliflower and sauce. Serve with steamed rice and top with sliced green onions.  

Recipe: www.lecremedelacrumb.com/baked-sweet-sour-cauliflower

Ingredients

  • 5-6 cups cauliflower florets
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup corn starch
  • 3-4 cups steamed rice, for serving
  • Thinly sliced green onions for garnish
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion salt
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch 
  • 2 tbsp cold water

How Well Do You Know Your Pelvic Floor?

A Quick Introduction to Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

When was the last time you thought about your pelvic floor? This sling of muscles isn’t visible, but it plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being:

• It makes up part of our core muscles, which help us move better and more effectively.

• It supports our pelvic organs — bowels, bladder, and, in women, genitals. 

• If it’s impaired, you can suffer a range of symptoms, from pain to sexual dysfunction.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on matters of the pelvic floor. It uses the same principles as standard physical therapy, including identifying the source of your discomfort and providing you with a personalized treatment plan.

What Can I Expect From Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

• Help with pelvic-related conditions such as incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, or pelvic prolapse.

• A discreet space where you can freely share symptoms and work with a therapist specially trained in women’s health and/or pelvic floor issues.

• Guidance in identifying the deep muscles that might be causing you issues–such as your pelvic floor, deep abdominals, or diaphragm. These muscles are not visible, so working on them can be a challenge.

• Information about using these muscles correctly and targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen them.

• Simple pelvic floor exercise plans that you can do at home.

We offer pelvic floor physical therapy here at Preferred Physical Therapy. If you’d like to learn more about what it can do for you, call us today!

Request Appointment

Meet Our Team

Let’s Get You Better ASAP!

Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.

Request Appointment